Magna Carta

and Modern Australia

Magna Carta is one of the most famous documents in the world. First written in 1215, it set out rules limiting the power of the monarchy and safeguarding basic human rights. Over its long history it has been reinterpreted as an icon of justice and liberty. Magna Carta is one of the historic foundations of Australian democracy. Its principles about the rule of law and good government remain relevant today.

Explore Magna Carta through its clauses or view the stories to discover how people have used this medieval document to shape modern Australia.

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59

Nos faciemus Alexandro regi Scottorum de sororibus suis, et obsidibus reddendis, et libertatibus suis, et iure suo, secundum formam in qua faciemus aliis baronibus nostris Anglie, nisi aliter esse debeat per cart{as} quas habemus de Willelmo patre ipsius, quondam rege Scottorum; et hoc er{it per} judicium parium suorum in curia nostra.

With regard to the return of the sisters and hostages of Alexander, king of Scotland, his liberties and his rights, we will treat him in the same way as our other barons of England, unless it appears from the charters that we hold from his father William, formerly king of Scotland, that he should be treated otherwise. This matter shall be resolved by the judgement of his equals in our court.

and Modern Australia
Clause 59
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Nos faciemus Alexandro regi Scottorum de sororibus suis, et obsidibus reddendis, et libertatibus suis, et iure suo, secundum formam in qua faciemus aliis baronibus nostris Anglie, nisi aliter esse debeat per cart{as} quas habemus de Willelmo patre ipsius, quondam rege Scottorum; et hoc er{it per} judicium parium suorum in curia nostra.

With regard to the return of the sisters and hostages of Alexander, king of Scotland, his liberties and his rights, we will treat him in the same way as our other barons of England, unless it appears from the charters that we hold from his father William, formerly king of Scotland, that he should be treated otherwise. This matter shall be resolved by the judgement of his equals in our court.